Although there are still many unknowns in this build up to Cheltenham, one thing seems almost certain. With the ground currently Good to Soft and only light showers forecast between now and the four day showpiece, it seems likely that the going description will remain Good to Soft when the tape rises on Tuesday’s opener.
As a result, I will be highlighting horses with form on this ground that it may pay to follow at the festival.
Silver Streak caused a big upset when beating Epatante in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, but the horse seemed to relish the change of tactics and Good to Soft going that day, and represents an interesting each way play in the Champion Hurdle.
Of the eight times Silver Streak has run with an official going description of Good to Soft, he has hit the frame seven times, winning three of those encounters. While on paper his form may not be as strong as those at head of the market, this likeable grey will relish the ground and is likely to be on the premises at the business end of the race.
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Willie Mullins’ Concertista is deservedly a short priced favourite for the Mares Hurdle, but at a much bigger price Paul Webber’s Indefatigable could be a value each way alternative.
The winner of last year’s Martin Pipe, this eight-year-old has rock solid course form, having won twice and finished second once in her four visits to Prestbury Park.
Her trainer has also described drying ground as the key to her chances and the stats back him up, with Indefatigable having won four and placed in three of her nine starts when the going is Good to Soft or better.
Nicky Henderson’s Mister Fisher has raced four times when the going description has been officially Good to Soft and has won three of those races. His only defeat on the going was his first run over hurdles back in November 2018.
The seven-year-old also has good course form, winning two of his three runs on the New course over which the Ryanair will be run, with his only defeat a close fourth in last year’s Marsh.
The Ryanair looks like a competitive and open renewal this year, but Mister Fisher’s preference for the likely ground and strong form at the track should give him a strong chance.
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